Hearing exposes TV viewers to blunt language, racial slurs
People who watched the first day of a House investigation into the Jan. 6 uprising at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday were exposed to the sort of blunt language, including profanity and racial slurs, rarely heard on daytime television. The hearing featured emotional testimony from four police officers who defended the Capitol and video clips of violence and mayhem. It was shown live widely, but not uniformly, on several television networks. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, who is Black, said one rioter cursed him and called him the n-word, a phrase that was repeated and even chanted at him. Dunn didn’t mask any language while describing it. Networks warned of graphic material in onscreen messages. In initial accounts of Dunn’s testimony, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Associated Press all mentioned the slur but did not spell it out. CNN’s website linked to a video with the headline, “Capitol police officer recounts rioters calling him the n-word.” The video itself, after warning of graphic language, used Dunn’s full quotes. Cable networks CNN, Fox News Channel, and MSNBC carried the hearing, lasting more than three hours, in full. ABC pre-empted daytime programming to air most of it but not CBS and NBC. Instead of compelling their local stations to carry it, those networks said it was optional. It wasn’t immediately clear how many CBS and NBC stations chose to air it, but those in the New York and Los Angeles markets did not. Television executives argue that consumers have many more options to see such events than they did years ago, including live streaming. “The fact is, people don’t go to broadcast television for live, breaking news the way they used to,” said Mark Lukasiewicz, who ran NBC News’ special events unit until 2017 and is now dean of the School of Communication at Hofstra University. Still, there’s no better way to catch a casual viewer’s attention and signal an event’s importance than broadcast television special reports. Some Republicans, like House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, have minimized the investigation as being partisan. So it was noteworthy that Fox News Channel, the favored destination for many Republican viewers, aired Tuesday’s testimony. While onscreen chyrons occasionally reminded viewers that the investigatory committee was “Pelosi-selected” and “Dem-led,” the network stuck with the hearing through the question-and-answer period until the end. Fox’s Bret Baier said the hearing was an “eye-opener” for anyone who considered Jan. 6 a non-violent protest. “You cannot watch this testimony and say that it’s not a big deal,” he said. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Martha Roby: How my offices can help you
As your representative in Congress, I have the privilege of offering numerous services and resources to the people who live and work in the Second District. My offices provide quite a few constituent services, and it is important that you’re aware of them so that you can take full advantage of the many ways my offices can help you. My district offices in Montgomery, Dothan, and Andalusia assist constituents with casework, meaning if you’ve placed an inquiry with a federal agency, like the VA or Social Security Administration, and haven’t received a timely response, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, my district offices might be able to help resolve the problem. At the very least, they can provide the information you need. If you are currently experiencing issues with one of the federal agencies, I encourage you to contact one of my offices as soon as possible so we can do our best to help you resolve the issue. If you are planning a trip to our nation’s capital, my staff in Washington is available to help you obtain tickets for tours of the U.S. Capitol building and other attractions, including the White House, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and more. Please be advised that advanced notice is usually necessary, so if you are planning a visit to D.C., I encourage you to contact my office as soon as possible. Our goal is to help you have a wonderful experience. Did you also know that you can purchase an American flag through my office? You can even request that your flag be flown over the Capitol building before it is sent to you. This is a really special way to commemorate important occasions for yourself or a loved one. If you are interested in taking advantage of this service, contact my office in Washington, and we will make it happen. There are many, many other services available to you through my offices, including service academy nominations, congressional internships for college students, presidential greetings, assistance with federal grant applications, and more. I hope you will pass this information along to your friends and family, so they are aware of what is available, too. Below you will find the contact information for all of my offices, and this information can also be found on my website: www.roby.house.gov/constituent-services. Always remember that my staff and I work for you, and we are eager to assist you. Washington, D.C., office:504 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, D.C., 20515(202) 225-2901 Montgomery office:401 Adams Avenue, Suite 160Montgomery, AL 36104(334) 262-7718 Dothan office: 217 Graceland Drive, Suite 5Dothan, AL 36305(334) 794-9680 Andalusia office:City Hall505 E. Three Notch Street, Suite 322Andalusia, AL 36420(334) 428-1129 Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.
Alabama’s 2015 Congressional Art Competition winners selected
Each spring, high school students from across the state submit their artwork to the annual Congressional Art Competition for a chance to represent their congressional district in the U.S. Capitol with their artistic talents. Sponsored by the Congressional Institute to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district, more than 650,000 high school students have participated since it began in 1982. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol. Alabama’s 1st Congressional District Winner: Siobhan Johnson Piece: “Brotherhood’s Past” High School: St. Paul’s Episcopal in Mobile, senior “The Congressional Art Competition is a fantastic way to highlight the artistic talents and achievements of our nation’s students,” said U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne. “I am especially proud to sponsor the 1st Congressional District Art Competition, and I am always so impressed by the high quality art that our local students are producing.” Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District Winner: Kaitlyn Tarver Piece: “America” High School: Booker T. Washington Magnet School in Montgomery, senior “I’m proud to celebrate the artistic abilities of students throughout Alabama, and in particular Kaitlyn and Ashton,” U.S. Rep. Martha Roby said. “These young women have displayed impressive talent, and it’s an honor to join their families and friends in commemorating this momentous occasion. I want to also express my sincerest gratitude to Kaitlyn’s and Ashton’s art teachers, Emily Thomas at Booker T. Washington and Anna Beasley at Houston Academy. Their commitment to helping their students experience the arts truly makes a difference, and I am grateful for their efforts.” Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District Winner: Heather Caldwell Piece: “Love At First Sight” High School: Handley High School “Every year, I look forward to being a part of the 3rd Congressional District Art Contest,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. “We have some really artistic young men and women in East Alabama, and this event is a great way to showcase their talents. I appreciate all the students who participated and the hard work they put in to creating their artwork.” Alabama’s 4th Congressional District Winner: Cadley Jackson Piece: “Reflections on my Childhood” High School: Guntersville High School, senior “This is a great event where we get to recognize art students in our district for their great accomplishments,” U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt said. “Sometimes it is not always well publicized but we hope this brings attention to the great artists who are among us here in our own congressional district.” Alabama’s 5th Congressional District Winner: Julie Davidson Piece: “Waiting for a Cue” High School: James Clemens High School, senior U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks said, “I’m so thankful for the support of our community, particularly the Huntsville Museum of Art, and their work to facilitate the Congressional Art Competition each year. A panel of judges juried the 243 pieces of artwork submitted and selected the winner, Ms. Julie Davidson of James Clemens High School. It was a pleasure to recognize Ms. Davidson’s achievements — I look forward to seeing her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol throughout the next year representing Alabama’s 5th District. Additionally, I was proud to commend the honorable mentions and thank the art educators who empower these students to succeed. Congratulations to Julie and to all of the honorable mentions, I hope you will continue to excel in your artistic pursuits.” Alabama’s 6th Congressional District Winner: Aaron Squires Piece: “I Am Free Now” High School: Pelham High School, junior “I am proud to support education and the young artists that are participating in this competition,” said U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer. “The Birmingham area has a thriving arts community and these young people already are part of it. They will continue to make important contributions in the years to come.” Alabama’s 7th Congressional District Winner: Samantha Bearden Piece: “Discovering Happiness” High School: Minor High School “Each year, this competition reflects the extraordinary talent of the students of the 7th Congressional District and I am proud to support them in exploring their artistic talents,” U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell said.
